Managing Pain with Acupuncture
- Yellow Brick Road Token
- Apr 24, 2022
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 5, 2023
Increasing Flow of Qi
Acupuncture is a part of traditional Chinese medicine that stems from thousands of years ago. Based on holistic wellness and philosophy, acupuncture is rooted in conventional wisdom and contemporary science. The practice involves inserting thin needles through the skin at strategic anatomical points of the body to clear blockages and increase the flow of Qi. Qi, pronounced ‘chee’, is commonly defined as a life force and energy vital to an individual's health. Acupuncture practitioners believe that the energy flow will become balanced by inserting the needles at specific points. Western practitioners commonly believe that acupuncture points are spots that stimulate nerves, muscles, and connective tissues to stimulate the body’s natural pain killers like endorphins.
According to recent data, more Americans have begun experimenting with acupuncture to treat various chronic pain-associated illnesses such as muscle and joint pain, migraine headaches, osteoarthritis, and plenty more. The practice of acupuncture varies slightly depending on which culture the practitioner chooses to follow, such as Chinese acupuncture and Japanese acupuncture. For instance, Korean acupuncture typically focuses on applying needles to points in the hands and feet.
Maryland University of Integrative Health (MUIH) is the oldest accredited acupuncture school in the United States of America. The courses combine medicine and scientific teaching with a holistic consideration of physical, mental, spiritual, and lifestyle factors. Faculty members claim to take a relationship-based, whole-person approach to health and wellness. MUIH has seen enrolment in health and wellness grow recently, and the university has subsequently developed its academic programs to meet the increased demand. MUIH boasts over 20 advanced graduate degree and certificate programs ranging from herbal medicine and nutrition to acupuncture. Registered students receive supervised hands-on clinical experience in the on-campus Natural Care Centre and community outreach settings. Student interns and professional practitioners deliver thousands of consultations and treatments annually. For example, there is a free ear acupuncture clinic that the public is welcome to for walk-in appointments any day of the week. In acupuncture, the ear is viewed as a map of the body which can help initiate emotional and physical healing.
Acupuncture Treatment Growing Across America
For more information about treating pain with acupuncture, go to Post-Gazette.com:
“‘I was in a car accident in high school and had a herniated disk,’ recalled Ms. Stukey, the CEO of Awaken Wellness, a holistic wellness center in Columbia, Md. ‘I was in quite a bit of pain, and even physical therapy didn’t help.’
Soon after, Ms. Stukey entered college, and the aches didn’t subside. She learned about acupuncture and decided to give it a try. Her initial treatment proved a revelation. ‘The pain lessened after the first session,’ she said. ‘And there were other benefits to my sleep, and menstrual system. Emotionally, I felt more even-keeled.’
‘Acupuncture can be useful as a non-invasive adjunctive therapy in pain management,’ said Dr. Tina Tuong-Vi Le Doshi, an assistant professor in the Department of Anesthesiology and Critical Care Medicine. ‘It’s not often used as a sole treatment, but it can definitely help patients as part of a more comprehensive treatment regimen that may also include things like procedures, medications, physical therapy, and lifestyle modifications.’ Dr. Doshi, who specializes in treating chronic pain, said more patients seem willing to explore acupuncture.
From Treating Pain With Acupuncture - Pittsburgh Post Gazette
Photo Source: WIX
Have you ever tried acupuncture? What was your experience? If not, are you considering trying it?
Written by Yellow Brick Road Token
April 24th, 2022
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